The Temptations - Papa Was A Rolling Stone | REACTION 🔥🔥🔥

[@broncodeviltexas]

To me this is the best R&B song of all time.

[@brucevidito4923]

The greatest intro into a soul song ever performed by the Funk Brothers. This song is a masterpiece.

[@brucevidito4923]

@theevagabondpoet, Oh yeah ! I appreciate your insight on Brothers Johnson. I was stationed in South Korea when they released "Stomp." While "Strawberry Letter 23" was so smooth. I love their music.

[@1bigrowdy]

Have y'all forgotten the Shaft intro??? lol

[@brucevidito4923]

@@1bigrowdy , I have to admit that I had forgotten. That was definitely a masterpiece as well.

[@tyronedavis9584]

Please, don't forget about Masterpiece, it goes hard from open to close

[@tyronedavis9584]

It gives you a social conscious message.. this song spoke to the ghetto

[@davidschecter5247]

Unfortunately, this is the reason so many of us "old-timers" don't like rap. When you compare the simplicity of most hip-hop music to the genius of "Black music" back then -- there's just no comparison. Writer/producer Norman Whitfield and the Temptations created one of their many masterworks in this amazing song. So many great songs they and the other black artists did in the sixties, seventies, and eighties.

[@TooDarnSoulful]

It saddens me that todays music cannot live with 70's music like this, we have gone backwards for decades !

[@dwainwilder7337]

This is the Temptation of the 70s. Very different of the Temps of the 60s and 80s. The 70s was more about social and political subjects, like “Ball of Confusion”. And are very relevant today, although most of their tunes are relevant and memorable. All of the albums produced a lot of hidden gems from that era, like “Zoom” the album “1990”. There is no other group of singers like The Tempting Temptations!

[@jamesrawlins735]

This was also the time - late 60s and early 70s - when Motown would do these lengthy and elaborate productions on their records. This one (which actually won 3 Grammys, including Best R&B Instrumental along with Song of the Year and Best Vocal R&B Performance) is typical - lush string accompaniment, top notch bass playing by legend James Jamerson and that trumpet that comes in. This is the album cut.

[@TheMsPhyl]

When this song came out, we danced to the wonderful music. Since so many children had these fathers, including myself, it gave us some clarity. The father situation has not improved for too many children today. The song nor the situation is funny, but unfortunately, it is real life for countless families.

[@abevillanueva1974]

One of GOAT introduction to a song ever!! Back then, intros to songs were important to grab the listeners...and this grabbed the listeners!!

[@glennsmith8390]

That bass line is iconic-by far this is in my Top 10 of all time great songs. The Temps could sing brother.--And that funky beat all through the song gets right to your soul. The band is pure dope.

[@greg2976]

The 70's were the best time to grow up and listen to music!!!!!

[@francesdalton4345]

music that will never be matched

[@jamesgeorge5276]

Say that!! I'm so glad I was born in the mid 60's and had the Privilege to experience all the best ORIGINAL music that came out in the 70's especially when Disco hit the scene all in real time! The best era for real music forever!!

[@ColKurtzknew]

"A yes for the long intro." YES indeed !! From the first couple seconds when that bass and percussion seduce you in this opening instrumental is 🔥. Motown was geniius in their music production, artists and acts they unleashed on the world.

[@stevendunlap503]

These ARE the 5 Original members on the Album cover. These 5 are the Temptations of the 60's from left to right, Melvin ( Blue) Franklin, Eddie Kendrick, David Ruffin, Otis, Paul. There was another guy the quit the group before they made it to Motown. ( The guy in the movie that was mad sitting at the bar while the Temptation was on TV) These are the Original Temptations. Also the in the Movie these guys on the album cover was the same guys that got came together during the New Years party and sung "You Make Me Want To Shout" So, yes these are the Original Tempts. However, on this particular song, David Ruffin had been kicked out of the group and was replaced by Dennis Edwards. This is Dennis is the lead voice not David Ruffin. If not mistaken I think Paul was already deceased by the time this song was recorded.

[@carolanestanley4030]

❤

[@SteveBurkitt-rg4nj]

I miss Motown.Just wonderful music I grew up with

[@michaelbaylor2923]

The original line up was L-R Melvin, Eddie, David, Otis, and Paul. On that song: (Melvin and Otis)- Dennis, Richard, and Damon

[@frankrocha7090]

Jammmmm

[@tseumd58]

Timeless piece of art

[@elevenbucks5682]

One of the top intros ever.

[@billc.5861]

As an older SF Bay Area rock drummer I just dig the Temps , always have - always will .

[@mostmost1]

The funk on this song is LEGENDARY! Every instrument stanks!

[@kbquan]

This is one their greatest hits. Love this

[@alexmartin8010]

This is a CLASSIC right here! Yes the originals

[@quintondees4501]

Always loved this one, one if the catchiest tunes ever written

[@ronaldtucker1262]

Rolling stone fathers were hard on the family.

[@reshaud81]

On the Temptations Gold cover you're looking are the original members. From left to right: Melvin "Blue" Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, Otis Williams, and Paul Williams!

[@TheDudeFromFairfax-tw2rz]

Actually, David was not an original member. He came in after Elbridge Bryant was kicked out of the group. The five on the Temptations Gold are considered the “Classic 5” lineup.

[@00ghostcobra]

Some say that this is the greatest song ever made..

[@reshaud81]

Dennis Edwards replaced David Ruffin and he's singing lead on this song. Also, check out the extended version!

[@lakishamitchell880]

I’m a huge temptation fan and yes they are the original members

[@EastCoastGal66]

One of the best songs from a great era in music !❤

[@WeazelJaguar]

I grew up listening to AM Radio, 60s and 70s, loved the Motown! And still listen to these tunes, while I'm pushing 70!!! And yes, My Poppa Was A Rolling Stone!

[@phglam]

Now you see why people say they grew up listening to REAL music..this is it lol the musicianship and instruments the band. Then the singing was incredible..

[@jrdlabs]

The Funk Brothers and the Detroit Symphony!

[@ProfitPathTV-zf6je]

One of the last great Motown songs recorded in Detroit.

[@amontaineaurore4700]

Classic.

[@funkmeisterB-5000]

Slick as ice, how guitarist Johnny Watson put the nasty wah-wah sound on this...8:01--see what I mean?! And I always loved this era of the Temptations, because of the different singers taking leads and the psychedelic feel on the songs.Glad u picked this one..I knew it'd rock ya!

[@busterheine3806]

Ashley--what you're describing is called, "layering". Musically, it's designed to capture the listener's attention--and draw them into the different instruments being added. It's done this way to keep the musical presentation (hopefully) from being interrupted.

[@bigdaddyeb56]

Motown Forever !!!!

[@flxnhrd]

"Mama I'm depending on you, to tell me the TRUTH!"

[@malvindixon]

The temptations were and evolving group when it comes to the members.

[@darrylwaddell9838]

Might be depressing but it's a great song a iconic song 💯💯💯💯

[@randieandjodistrom854]

I bought this "45" back in 1972 and it has been in my playlist ever since. The musicality and vocals are absolute genius. For what it's worth, I'm an old white guy (of course, the year I bought the record should have given that away).

[@michaelhodge8022]

I play this every Fathers-Day because like the song say's ,so was my Dad

[@sandramiller6752]

Awesome thanks ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@christarpley6861]

It's hard to beat the Temptations they could really sing especially David Ruffin

[@pnojazz]

Another from the soundtrack of my life…❤

[@bakercarl8518]

Ashley, from one of the best best bands EVER. Something like this only happens once. I been listening to your list. Go ahead and click a pen!!!

[@DavidHenley-x6c]

I'm 67. I heard that Dennis Edwards, the lead singer, didn't want to sing this because his father actually did die on the 3rd of September. Sad but very powerful song. The Temptations were awesome❤

[@moonshinelol]

Totally singing about my pops...

[@patriciadavis5939]

Love me some Temptations. Starting from age 13.

[@CCTH2221-lp2zj]

This is in the select group of my earliest childhood musical memories. They used to play this on the Jukebox @ the Elks Home in Newark NJ on Clinton ave🎼🔥✊🏾

[@thekidd8705]

I want to give you a suggestion to go watch the documentary on the Funk Brothers which was the in-house band for Motown records

[@ronaldgamble8903]

yes they what a group

[@stevendunlap503]

On this song all the things in the song was what other people were saying about his dad. He went to his mom and told her what was being said and was asking her to tell him the truth about his dad and momma said Papa was a rolling stone... She never said all the things was true or not she just said Papa was a rolling stone...

[@davetrave1]

Dennis Edwards was a member of the Contours before joining the Temptations in 1968. Understand the times, they were changing. Many artists put out socially conscious music during this time.

[@cs19575]

With the exception of David Ruffin these are the original members. No thing on David Ruffin but I was just a kid hearing the early recordings in 1968. Then in 1969 I bought the "Puzzle People" album. From then on Dennis Edwards and Eddie Hendrix BLASTING the radio waves. Even in Jr High School. As the years went on changes were made. So as far as the original again RIP. Ashely has good taste in soul. Not to mention ♥ cute!!!

[@rochiellebevans1783]

I could tell you are an amazingly sweet person.

[@rvprossjjlrzar]

I remember when I really heard this song for the first time to understand it's message, it was so overwhelmingly sad and like you said, "depressing". The build up by the instruments at the beginning make more sense in setting the mood of what was to come with the lyrics. It's an incredible piece of music but yeah, the words are sobering. The Temptations made it come alive and I personally don't think anybody could have sang it any better than them.

[@EricNess-sc3rh]

You look fabulous. I saw these guys in 73. Opening act was the Four Tops.

[@bam55sgarage77]

That album cover is the famous line up of the Temptations from the 60's. That is Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin (replaced Al Bryant), Otis Williams and Paul Williams. The song itself is from the 2nd most famous lineup in which David Ruffin was replaced with Dennis Edwards, Paul William was replaced by Richard Street, and Eddie Kendricks was replaced with Damon Harris. The main stays were Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin until his death in 1995. Eddie and Paul were in the group until 1971, so there were part of the both of the famous lineups.

[@blkbass1958]

It was a different time, the 60's and 70's in Detroit were special.

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Temptations were legends

[@patriciadavis5939]

You hear the drama at the beginning of the song. Drama drama😮

[@GS-xt8fu]

The temptations made a boat load of great songs

[@johnlong9534]

David Ruffin had already left the group but they won a Grammy for this song.

[@Serai3]

Ah, that 70's wacka-wacka sound. Makes me nostalgic!

[@JoeCruz-hs2yt]

CLASSIC !

[@skockets]

Ashley yes a ‘long’ instrumental intro, but not as long as the original album version, which has a 4 min or so instrumental intro. I recommend you listen to the album version, almost 12 min long and the vibe of all vibes… cozy up and groove out…

[@johnlong9534]

Four of them on this song are original members. The only one that wasn't original was Dennis Edwards. He took over David's place. "And when he died, all he left us was alone"

[@bgreen9356]

Even though David Ruffin is on this picture he was kicked out the group by then and that's his replacement singing lead Dennis Edwards Jr.

[@lightshadow44]

Dennis Edwards, who took the place of David Ruffin( legend) was the baddest Soul Brother that ever lived! ( with much respect to James Brown) , who took no mess!

[@ellerootz6702]

Classic...

[@jeffreymassey5541]

This is the "Norman Whitfield" Era Temps. ✊🏿👍🏾💯✅️

[@ProfitPathTV-zf6je]

By the time this song came out in 1972, original members David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams were gone. Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin remained. Melvin stayed until he died in the mid 90s. Otis is still there today.

[@sherryhillman9197]

The album cover is showing the originals. David Ruffin was replaced by Dennis Edwards. If you pull up the video from Soul Train, The Temptations sing this on Soul Train. You should pull up a lot of 70’s groups from Soul Train, American Bandstand and Ed Sullivan show.

[@shlomiB.R.]

My favorite band of all time, the Temptations with the winning lineup: Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, and Dennis Edwards. Dennis, knew how to bring out the powerful voice and the amazing songs that this band released in the spirit of the late 60's and early 70's which I think are amazing, The 70's was the biggest success of soul, funk and disco music. Such songs are no longer written and certainly not performed by singers with unique voices and with amazing music played by real musicians whose sound was fully transmitted to those who listened to them. Full bass, full treble and half a mid that gave the sound of the legendary Motown. I always listen to songs from that time and in this style because there you can hear songs and not like today, shouting. And by the way, Masterpiece is the name of the album of this successful group and also one of the songs on this album with the amazing songs: plastic man, ma, Psychedelic Shack, law of the land.

[@mikelesley2803]

This is the shorter radio version of the song. On the album All Directions is the longer version taking up most of the first side.

[@jodykessly8696]

Ashley, those claps were just on the up-beats. Prince used to do it a lot!

[@georgedaly9288]

I love it!

[@WayneHaynes-wx3er]

Yes they are.

[@charlesfarmer7046]

Dennis Edwards, song lead on this song, one of, if not there biggest hit...

[@Nomad-vv1gk]

The original members of the Temptations when they were signed to the Gordy Records label, were Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and Elbridge “Al” Bryant. David Ruffin replaced Elbridge "Al" Bryant in1964. Gordy Records is a subsidiary of Motown Records Inc. The Temptations never recorded on the Motown imprint. Both sides of the single went on to earn the group Grammys in 1972, with the A-side winning Best R&B Performance By a Duo Or Group with Vocal and its B-side winning the award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance.

[@nolainternet9677]

Back when Motown ruled the airwaves 😎

[@QuentinJohnson307]

Yes, the OGees, except David Ruffin lead singer, lead in this song is Dennis Edwards.❤

[@tytownsend8219]

Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams is missing fom this song also.

[@mikeplott4817]

Great Reaction 👍🙏💯😎💯🌹🌹

[@charlenezack37]

"And that ain't right" one of the nicest guys In Detroit, Melvin Franklin., one of the OG's RIP..

[@jeffburwell2531]

The musicians are The Funk Brothers

[@dwainwilder7337]

Ashley, another song like this from the Temps is “Masterpiece”. The best version is the long version with the long intro. Not once do they say the word masterpiece. It’s just what the song is!

[@kevincaulder96]

Ok, Ashley. The Temptations lineup changed over the years as you know. Dennis Edwards replaced lead singer David Ruffin, in the center of the picture, and the groups sound be v ame more dynamic. Ruffin was responsible for the early hits that helped establish the Motown SOUND. He left the group believing he should be the star and had outgrown the group. To the left in the picture, Eddie Kendricks left for a solo career, which some early success with hits KEEP ON TRUCKIN' , BOOGIE DOWN, and HAPPY. To the far right is Paul Williams. He was found dead in his car after what was ruled a suicide in 1973. But there were questions. Kendricks and Williams were replaced by Damon Harris and Melvin Franklin as the group was singing and swinging into songs more socially and culturally relevant. Songs like, PSYCHEDELIC SHACK, BALL OF CONFUSION, MASTERPIECE, PLASTIC MAN, SUPERSTAR ( REMEMBER HOW YOU GOT WHERE YOU ARE.) GLASSHOUSE, and RUNAWAY CHILD cone to mind. Eddie Kendricks was nor a fan if tge new direction and chose to exit. But these songs made the Temptations more popular than ever and kept them on top of their game. I grew up with these songs and still listen to them today. Because the world is still a BALL OF CONFUSION. Listen and see if you agree

[@thejoojooman6538]

The Was (Not Was) remake is also fantastic.

[@princedejour2686]

This is my favorite Temptation song and I akso think it is their greatest song! I rellly didnt know my father so I could really relate to this song🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@generaines6369]

Ashley, the picture is the classic Tempts lineup Melvin, Eddie, David, Otis, Paul. At the time of this particular song the lineup was starting to get shaken up a little however. Important to know that as the calendar turned to the 70s social issues and music styles changed due to the 60s civil rights era (MLK, Malcolm X, JFK, RFK, etc.), Vietnam and other social issues reflected in some of the early 70s music such as Curtis Mayfield, some Marvin Gaye and others even though it manifested itself differently with each musical act.

[@botrrun9399]

The cover is the original group. This song had Dennis who took David's place.

[@GinaGeeILuvu]

This is a true classic by the amazing Temptations! It’s so heartbreaking and timeless! That intro is iconic! This is not the original line-up singing this song! The picture you put up is the original lineup though! Dennis Edwards is singing lead on this one but he wasn’t an original member!

[@richardadams4928]

This song reminds me a LOT of my Dad. That's NOT a good thing. He died at 43. Was never a responsible provider for anything more than brief intervals. We were on and off food stamps all the time. He was at best an unbelievably harsh disciplinarian who sometimes crossed the line into unquestionable abuse. And he was a preacher, but as fundamentally dishonest and untrustworthy a person as you'd ever meet. Unsupportive, thievibg, callous, lecherous, a horrible hypocrite, judgmental, bigoted, and narrow-minded. So, this song has always hit hard for me. Feels very biographical. Still 💯 a GREAT song.

[@Charlie-rr3vu]

LALAH HATHAWAY. " I'm coming back"..... sensual ❤

[@sydboski]

Otis is the tallest one on the album cover. The cover has the classic Temptations line up. The original Temptations did not include David Ruffin (the one in glasses). He replaced Al Bryant. The lead singer on this song is Dennis Edwards who replaced David Ruffin. Go on Ashley Click The Pen!!!

[@alexmartin8010]

The temptations are a music icon

[@carolanestanley4030]

Psychedelic

[@sammybeck7794]

They had baritone, tenor and soprano

[@wildmandon1]

The Temptations are just a singing group. This great music your listening to is done by the Funk Brothers, Motown's studio musicians who has never really received proper credit or proper pay for their contributions. They have played on more #1 hits than Elvis, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones put together. They did put together a documentary, "Standing in the Shadows of Motown", which is worth watching. They have the original members telling their story. However, some of the members had already passed by the filming of the documentary, but they did pay tribute to them.

[@rhondaatkins1776]

The Temptations and "just a singing group" in the same sentence is crazy talk.

[@Rasko501]

That is a great point and much appreciated. I will definitely check out this documentary. Thanks!

[@Falk4J]

Now from the perspective of a german young teenage boy that I was when this song was released and not knowing much english then I mainly did love that funky music going on together with the singing of course. But as I said I hardly understood much beyond the title line so I never got involved into the actual story line. So I was enjoying the sounds and wasn't burdened with the contents, if that makes sense. But I sure loved the vibes! Btw. this was the time when Telly Savalas aka Kojak was a weekly visitor on our TV screen reflecting the same vibes. Even the title melody of this show reminds me on this song here. I wonder if this was also done by the Funk Brothers..anyway. Thanks for your reaction to this song causing fond memories of them days for me. God bless you and keep it up!

[@RandyThompson-g9q]

yes they are the original members.

[@pierrewillful]

Possibly one of the first diss tracks ever! Lol

[@thekidd8705]

This album cover shows the original five

[@greendoor49]

Steely Dan did a track like this one titled "Daddy Don't Live In That New York City No More" worth a listen....